FOREVER....and a day..

" HOME "

For the past 3 years I have plenty of things to be thankful aside from being grateful that I am still alive and enjoying everything life's to offer..However, i felt very alone with my thought of missing my hometown especially my parents..Its been more than 3 years since i left my hometown in Iloilo...If my memory serves me correctly, the last time I was home was december 2008..

One of my friend shared this photo of my hometown..This picture   (a peaceful place ) brought back a lovely childhood memory to me when i saw it...

 "There’s no place like home." Where were grew up will always be a part of us and will always give that nostalgic feeling....

To my lovely Parents, whom i missed so much.... You were the first people (in the world!) to love me----even before i was born..You've taken care of me, seen me grow up, and been there for me no matter how many fights, arguments, and silly debates you've had with me...

Mom and Dad.."I Love You"...

Sometimes, its ironic that the people you love are the hardest to actually say these three words to...But people, get a load off your chest and let your parents know that you actually care..You dont need a major moment to say it---you could casually drop the line after a short phone call with them, say it after hearing mass, or tell them on their birthdays..It doesn't really matter what the occasion is---Your saying "I Love You" will deifnitely make their day, no matter what the circumstances are

To my peaceful Hometown (Iloilo), Thinking back of my childhood makes me miss you. A place like you, where everyone knows  is far different from where I am residing now. There with you, I was living in a small hut made of bamboo and nipa. Life was so simple yet fulfilling. Everyone in the neighborhood is so accommodating and willing to lend a helping hand.

I miss your green rice fields where I used to play tag and catch dragonflies. The same rice fields where I looked for edible snails during rainy season that Mom used to cooked with taro leaves and coconut milk. I miss your river where I go fishing and Mom washed our blankets sometimes.

I miss my cousins and old friends who were walking with me on our way to school everyday. With our old rubber slippers we go through one kilometer road, unmindful of the scorching heat or heavy rains because on the roadside there were our favorite tamarind and jocote tree where we hide from the boys and eat the fruits.

It’s been more than three years since I last visited you and I miss so much everything about you. I hope someday, I can buy a small piece of your land and build that same old nipa hut where I can spend the last days of my life with my future family and old friends. When that time comes, I want you to welcome me with the smell of dry leaves, cold breeze, peace and tranquility…just like the old times.

I grew up in Barotac Viejo, a small town in Iloilo, the home of famous "Dinagyang Festival"---is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines held on the fourth Sunday of January..It is held both to honor the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis.

My hometown is just beautiful....!!!!..."There’s no place like home indeed."